While it's not yet drinkable, it's much less polluted than in the past.

But changes at the federal level could reverse all of that progress.

"It's not enough to have a program if you don't support the personnel that run it," Goodman says. Cuts at the Environmental Protection Agency could mean many of the efforts to clean up our waterway could deteriorate.

"If we are required as local government to come up with the money for these projects, it's just not going to happen," Goodman adds.

That means no more dredging of the river and no one to keep an eye on those who cause harm by dumping or other industrial activity.

Mike Mikulka represents those who currently do that job and says we're in danger without them. "The public will be harmed, the environment will be harmed and in some cases, the effects of some of those actions are long-term," he says.

Goodman argues money shouldn't be deciding factor in regard to public health. "The only agency, the only people who are protecting us...are threatened by budget cuts," she says.